The Dysfunctional Jaw-Part 2

Dr. Kenneth Waliszewski graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1971. He proceeded directly into the Graduate Prosthodontic program at Marquette and completed the program with a certificate in prosthodontics and his M.S. degree in 1974. Dr. Waliszewski then joined the U.S. Navy as a prosthodontist at the Balboa Navy Hospital in San Diego, CA and served his country until 1976. He then began a career in private practice that spanned the next 5 decades, while at the same time joined the faculty at Marquette as an adjunct professor where he taught prosthodontics to ­­pre-doctoral and post-doctoral students.

Course Description:

Pain associated with dysfunctional jaw has been called TMJ. As dentistry and medicine have become more sophisticated in this area, a better term was chosen to explain the situation of multiple manifestations causing pain arising from a dysfunctional jaw. Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) is the most accepted current term. This course will emphasize that multiple distinct disorders comprise the world of TMD. By recognizing distinct and different types of TMD; the clinician becomes better able to target treatments and improve outcomes. Each of the four presentations can be viewed individually; but they are best enjoyed as an integrated four part course.

Part 2: This presentation targets Bruxism as a specific condition that begins early in life and continues forever. The dentist can make a significant contribution to a person’s quality of life if this condition can be recognized and managed. Signs and symptoms of Bruxism are shown along with treatment strategies. The second half of part 2 will focus on acute insults to the jaw complex. Acute insults result in an injury. That injury is most commonly characterized by inflammation. If the inflammation resolves the injury is forgotten. If the inflammation does not resolve, the incident morphs into Chronic TMD. Signs and symptoms of acute insults are presented along with treatment and management strategies.

Course Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course the participant should be able to:

Appreciate the multifaceted nature of TMD.

Recognize that not all facial pain is from a dysfunctional jaw. Medical referrals are needed.

Recognize the different manifestations of TMD and be able to target treatments to achieve good outcomes.